2022 NBA Playoffs Thread

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

I think experience will ultimately prevail, which pains me to say since I voted to secede exitmusic from the union.

you're an exitmusic fan too?

[indyguy]

Originally Posted by Nomad

GG to Celtics.... Horford and er....

actually it outlines how Pritch and Nesmith, though not even playing G7, still considered integral members of team. This top-to-bottom commitment is rare. Maybe the Warriors have this kind of buy-in as well? That's what it really takes.

(not my picture)

I have to commend you for the constant pumping of Nesmith.

[tennelson55]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

I think experience will ultimately prevail, which pains me to say since I voted to secede exitmusic from the union.

GS has to be one of the only teams that can have both their top 2 stars shoot well below average and still eek out wins. Tatum and Brown stink up the bed and they have zero shot. I think that's the ultimate difference in the series.

I don't get it. They can't put together a solid series. I don't know why, but are they trying to lose on purpose? I don't get it. They go from doing everything to disappearing so quickly. Even in that last game with the Heat, where did they go? Heat finished the game on an incredible run and Tatum/Brown just aren't awake or there. It's baffling. The score is 98-85 and the Celtics can't put the game away? I get there are runs, but it seems it happens every game where the C's vanish in the last minutes of a game.

I think the C's vanish in late game scenarios because they don't have a PG. As we saw White is cranking with this offense. He's earning minutes because they don't have a PG who can dribble up the ball at the top of the key.
This PG issue keeps coming up IMO and at the end of the game it shows. Smart turning over the ball late, having a 5-4 assist to turnover ratio, but it's bigger then that. They needs someone to dribble out the ball so Tatum/Brown can get open, cut and maneuver.

[mfw13]

Originally Posted by tennelson55

I don't get it. They can't put together a solid series. I don't know why, but are they trying to lose on purpose? I don't get it. They go from doing everything to disappearing so quickly. Even in that last game with the Heat, where did they go? Heat finished the game on an incredible run and Tatum/Brown just aren't awake or there. It's baffling. The score is 98-85 and the Celtics can't put the game away? I get there are runs, but it seems it happens every game where the C's vanish in the last minutes of a game.

I think the C's vanish in late game scenarios because they don't have a PG. As we saw White is cranking with this offense. He's earning minutes because they don't have a PG who can dribble up the ball at the top of the key.
This PG issue keeps coming up IMO and at the end of the game it shows. Smart turning over the ball late, having a 5-4 assist to turnover ratio, but it's bigger then that. They needs someone to dribble out the ball so Tatum/Brown can get open, cut and maneuver.

Tatum and Brown have always been inconsistent....that's why a lot of people don't consider them to be superstars. When they're hitting their jumpers they're just about unstoppable, but when they're not, the Celtics offense stalls.

And the Celtics definitely need a good PG (or at least someone to actually run the offense). But of course the trend these days is for the stars/superstars to bring the ball up themselves, which often leads to them going straight into isolation mode.

One of the reason the Warriors are so strong offensively is that they've always had multiple people on the floor who can fulfill the role of the point guard and run the offense.

[rustywest]

Originally Posted by tennelson55

I don't get it. They can't put together a solid series. I don't know why, but are they trying to lose on purpose? I don't get it. They go from doing everything to disappearing so quickly. Even in that last game with the Heat, where did they go? Heat finished the game on an incredible run and Tatum/Brown just aren't awake or there. It's baffling. The score is 98-85 and the Celtics can't put the game away? I get there are runs, but it seems it happens every game where the C's vanish in the last minutes of a game.

I think the C's vanish in late game scenarios because they don't have a PG. As we saw White is cranking with this offense. He's earning minutes because they don't have a PG who can dribble up the ball at the top of the key.
This PG issue keeps coming up IMO and at the end of the game it shows. Smart turning over the ball late, having a 5-4 assist to turnover ratio, but it's bigger then that. They needs someone to dribble out the ball so Tatum/Brown can get open, cut and maneuver.

From memory I believe you are the guy who said the Celtics with Smart at point guard 'ain't it'? Celtics are in the NBA Finals with Smart as point guard.

We all predicted the East was going to be a dogfight and it was. The Celtics had a tough road. They are still standing

[Nomad]

Celtics are the one team often referenced when they say true point guards no longer exist in today's NBA. I think the new go to role is the Swiss-army-knife "floor general?"

[Above the Rim]

From a constructive view, which categories might the Celtics be better than the Warriors:

Offense in the Paint, Outside shooting, Depth, Coaching, Team Defense, Rebounding, Experience, etc. ?

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by indyguy

I have to commend you for the constant pumping of Nesmith.

True. But I started on this journey before I knew the term pumping. No one pimped his cards to me. The fact that we are not pumping Nwora at this late date points to the Celtics having made it through. OG Nesmith pumper with a side of Pritch? I'll take it!

As finals insurance with breakthrough potential, not even a bad price.

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by Above the Rim

From a constructive view, which categories might the Celtics be better than the Warriors:

Offense in the Paint, Outside shooting, Depth, Coaching, Team Defense, Rebounding, Experience, etc. ?

Forgot the Timelord effect, that changes everything.

[RogerGodahell]

Curry has been just as inconsistent in the playoffs with a few less games played and a much easier path to the Finals. I'd be equally concerned about him as a GS fan instead of trying to downplay the competition and hype myself up thinking they're going to sweep the Celtics.

[RogerGodahell]

Originally Posted by Above the Rim

From a constructive view, which categories might the Celtics be better than the Warriors:

Offense in the Paint, Outside shooting, Depth, Coaching, Team Defense, Rebounding, Experience, etc. ?

Most of them probably if you don't count the first half of the season when Boston was like 22-25 or something. Been on a roll in the second half which is when you want to be playing your best basketball.

It's like NFL teams that peak right when the playoffs start. No one cares that they were 9-6 and barely squeaked into the playoffs but then run the table at the right time. They won the SB and that's what people will remember.

GS has more experience but the Celtics also have a fair amount, 3 ECF and now a Finals appearance for a relatively young team. Okie Dokie's only coached 1 year so yeah Kerr is going to get that nod as well. They probably have a 3 pt% as well. Everything else i'd give to Boston as of late.

[indyguy]

Originally Posted by Nomad

True. But I started on this journey before I knew the term pumping. No one pimped his cards to me. The fact that we are not pumping Nwora at this late date points to the Celtics having made it through. OG Nesmith pumper with a side of Pritch? I'll take it!

As finals insurance with breakthrough potential, not even a bad price.

Nothing wrong with it at all! Collect who you like!

[indyguy]

Points per game:

Celtics in regular season (111.8 to 111.0)
Warriors in playoffs (114.5 to 107.1)

Points allowed per game:

Celtics in regular season (104.5 to 105.5)
Celtics in playoffs (101 to 109.1)

3 points shooting:

Regular season a wash. Both were taking and making right around the same.
Playoffs have seen the Warriors make 14 per game on 38 attempts, for 36.5%. Boston is making 9.8 on 30.9 attempts for 31.7%

FTs/Offensive Rebounding/Total Rebounding

Basically a push between the two, in the playoffs.

Steals/Blocks

Push - with decimal points of each other

[KaMiKaZie510]

Originally Posted by indyguy

Points per game:

Celtics in regular season (111.8 to 111.0)
Warriors in playoffs (114.5 to 107.1)

Points allowed per game:

Celtics in regular season (104.5 to 105.5)
Celtics in playoffs (101 to 109.1)

3 points shooting:

Regular season a wash. Both were taking and making right around the same.
Playoffs have seen the Warriors make 14 per game on 38 attempts, for 36.5%. Boston is making 9.8 on 30.9 attempts for 31.7%

FTs/Offensive Rebounding/Total Rebounding

Basically a push between the two, in the playoffs.

Steals/Blocks

Push - with decimal points of each other

Interesting stats. FiveThirtyEight got GSW 20-30% chance of wining. Really hope they are wrong.

[tennelson55]

Originally Posted by mfw13

Tatum and Brown have always been inconsistent....that's why a lot of people don't consider them to be superstars. When they're hitting their jumpers they're just about unstoppable, but when they're not, the Celtics offense stalls.

And the Celtics definitely need a good PG (or at least someone to actually run the offense). But of course the trend these days is for the stars/superstars to bring the ball up themselves, which often leads to them going straight into isolation mode.

One of the reason the Warriors are so strong offensively is that they've always had multiple people on the floor who can fulfill the role of the point guard and run the offense.

I don't think the bolded is true. When Steph ain't there this team falls to pieces. Who on this team can dribble up the ball well and hold it at the top of the key? Wiggins, Draymond, Klay? I don't like that. Poole is solid, but idk. You need a PG to dribble up the ball and control the tempo/set the pace.

The Celtics have no one to do that besides White. Everyone else can make plays, but they need someone to tempo the offense. Tatum/Brown aren't the tempo pacers of games, they get you buckets/play make.

Originally Posted by rustywest

From memory I believe you are the guy who said the Celtics with Smart at point guard 'ain't it'? Celtics are in the NBA Finals with Smart as point guard.

We all predicted the East was going to be a dogfight and it was. The Celtics had a tough road. They are still standing

I stand by my comments. I also had the Celtics winning the Finals.

Smart "ain't it." Period.

They need a PG who can bring up the ball, control the tempo.

Did you watch the Celtics almost lose G7 because they don't have someone to set the tempo? It's 98-85 with 3:30 to go and the Celtics can't finish it out? Want me to read out the game log for Celtics possessions?

Marcus Smart misses 12-foot pullup jump shot
Marcus Smart misses 28-foot three point jumper
Marcus Smart misses 27-foot three point jumper
Grant Williams lost ball turnover (Kyle Lowry steals)
Marcus Smart misses 26-foot three point jumper
Jaylen Brown turnover
Marcus Smart misses driving layup
Marcus Smart makes free throw 1 of 2
Marcus Smart makes free throw 2 of 2

This is the context of the last 2 minutes of offense for the Celtics.

[Nomad]

Interesting ranking of all players in the finals.

[BostonNut]

How did the Celts do with the last two true PG's they had in Kyrie and Kemba?

Originally Posted by tennelson55

I don't think the bolded is true. When Steph ain't there this team falls to pieces. Who on this team can dribble up the ball well and hold it at the top of the key? Wiggins, Draymond, Klay? I don't like that. Poole is solid, but idk. You need a PG to dribble up the ball and control the tempo/set the pace.

The Celtics have no one to do that besides White. Everyone else can make plays, but they need someone to tempo the offense. Tatum/Brown aren't the tempo pacers of games, they get you buckets/play make.


I stand by my comments. I also had the Celtics winning the Finals.

Smart "ain't it." Period.

They need a PG who can bring up the ball, control the tempo.

Did you watch the Celtics almost lose G7 because they don't have someone to set the tempo? It's 98-85 with 3:30 to go and the Celtics can't finish it out? Want me to read out the game log for Celtics possessions?

Marcus Smart misses 12-foot pullup jump shot
Marcus Smart misses 28-foot three point jumper
Marcus Smart misses 27-foot three point jumper
Grant Williams lost ball turnover (Kyle Lowry steals)
Marcus Smart misses 26-foot three point jumper
Jaylen Brown turnover
Marcus Smart misses driving layup
Marcus Smart makes free throw 1 of 2
Marcus Smart makes free throw 2 of 2

This is the context of the last 2 minutes of offense for the Celtics.

[mfw13]

Originally Posted by indyguy

Playoffs have seen the Warriors make 14 per game on 38 attempts, for 36.5%. Boston is making 9.8 on 30.9 attempts for 31.7%

That's not a wash.....that's a huge difference in the Warriors favor.....

[mfw13]

Originally Posted by tennelson55

I don't think the bolded is true. When Steph ain't there this team falls to pieces. Who on this team can dribble up the ball well and hold it at the top of the key? Wiggins, Draymond, Klay? I don't like that. Poole is solid, but idk. You need a PG to dribble up the ball and control the tempo/set the pace.

You must not be very familiar with the Warriors then....their offense is designed so that multiple players can initiate....Curry, Poole, Green, Iguodala, Wiggins....all can bring the ball up and get things started....

[indyguy]

Originally Posted by mfw13

That's not a wash.....that's a huge difference in the Warriors favor.....

That's why I didn't say it was for the Playoffs. I said it was for the regular season.

[tennelson55]

Originally Posted by BostonNut

How did the Celts do with the last two true PG's they had in Kyrie and Kemba?

Do I consider either of those players actual PG's?

Kyrie - SG/PG

Kemba - LOL.

I was against that signing the day it happened. Go back and read my posts about him. Absolute joke.

Originally Posted by mfw13

You must not be very familiar with the Warriors then....their offense is designed so that multiple players can initiate....Curry, Poole, Green, Iguodala, Wiggins....all can bring the ball up and get things started....

There's a huge difference between brining up the ball on a consistent basis and starting the offense to setup a play. Green/Wiggins will catch the ball and make a play... You don't want them bring up the ball every time because again, it looks clunky/funky. Offense doesn't work well. Iggy is out of the rotation. As I said Poole is an option/backup PG. Klay is catch and shoot.

Point is Smart takes the ball into places he can't go. Defenses trap, collapse and it shows the last three minutes in G7 when they can't get any type of decent shot off. You're telling me Marcus Smart shooting it 5 times in the last 3 mins is the way you want to go down?

[blackbears86]

It really kills me to say this but The Celtics inconsistency will do them in this series. I'll be rooting for them, for sure but I'm sticking with dubs in 6.

[KaMiKaZie510]

Originally Posted by RogerGodahell

Curry has been just as inconsistent in the playoffs with a few less games played and a much easier path to the Finals. I'd be equally concerned about him as a GS fan instead of trying to downplay the competition and hype myself up thinking they're going to sweep the Celtics.

Inconsistent?

[Nomad]

Just realized looking back at threads that I was pumping Celtics before anyone noticed them this year. How did I select the wrong rookie (this finals, at least) to take dividends on? (Assuming he doesn't get traded to Lakers, but then defensive trade secrets.... no...)

But then I noticed that high-end of any Celtic (I mean gradable) is drying up. Even Nesmith.

I don't even know how the Warriors can plan for the Celtics G2. The way they played yesterday, they would be like the third best team in the East.

[Nomad]

Had a think, anyway. If I was Kerr I would give Wiggens a make or break assignment, to take the reigns of the team. Maybe that's the best strategy moving forward. Have him drive the action along with Porter, body up on the Celtics and fight through fatigue in the 4th.